Extended Interview: Air Force officer shot down in Iran on surviving behind enemy lines

There was an Iranian search party that There was an Iranian search party that had assembled at the base of the had assembled at the base of the had assembled at the base of the mountain to come find you. You knew that mountain to come find you. You knew that mountain to come find you. You knew that the Iranians were trying to find you as the Iranians were trying to find you as the Iranians were trying to find you as well, right? well, right? well, right? >> I knew that they were coming. I saw I knew for a fact that they were looking I knew for a fact that they were looking for me. for me. for me. >> Were you armed? >> Were you armed? >> Were you armed? >> I was. In April, five weeks into a costly and In April, five weeks into a costly and unpopular war, an American fighter jet unpopular war, an American fighter jet unpopular war, an American fighter jet was shot down over Iran, leaving two was shot down over Iran, leaving two was shot down over Iran, leaving two American aviators stranded behind enemy American aviators stranded behind enemy American aviators stranded behind enemy lines. The officers on board, the pilot, lines. The officers on board, the pilot, lines. The officers on board, the pilot, Mission Call sign Alpha, and the weapons Mission Call sign Alpha, and the weapons Mission Call sign Alpha, and the weapons systems officer, Mission Call sign systems officer, Mission Call sign systems officer, Mission Call sign Bravo, had ejected from their F-15E and Bravo, had ejected from their F-15E and Bravo, had ejected from their F-15E and landed miles apart in a mountainous landed miles apart in a mountainous landed miles apart in a mountainous desert region. desert region. desert region. >> [crying] >> [crying] >> [crying] >> They would both soon have Iranian >> They would both soon have Iranian >> They would both soon have Iranian bounties on their heads. bounties on their heads. bounties on their heads. >> What unfolded was one of the largest >> What unfolded was one of the largest >> What unfolded was one of the largest search and rescue operations in US search and rescue operations in US search and rescue operations in US military history. In his first military history. In his first military history. In his first interview, Bravo told 60 Minutes his interview, Bravo told 60 Minutes his interview, Bravo told 60 Minutes his harrowing story of survival and provided harrowing story of survival and provided harrowing story of survival and provided new details about the 50hour operation new details about the 50hour operation new details about the 50hour operation to rescue him and his crew mate. Thank to rescue him and his crew mate. Thank to rescue him and his crew mate. Thank you so much for doing this. Bravo.

you so much for doing this. Bravo. you so much for doing this. Bravo. First, let me ask you, how are you First, let me ask you, how are you First, let me ask you, how are you doing? doing? doing? >> Overall, very well. Thank you for >> Overall, very well. Thank you for >> Overall, very well. Thank you for asking. There's some things I'm still asking. There's some things I'm still asking. There's some things I'm still recovering from, but I'm receiving recovering from, but I'm receiving recovering from, but I'm receiving tremendous care and and continue to tremendous care and and continue to tremendous care and and continue to recover. recover. recover. >> How grateful are you to be here safely >> How grateful are you to be here safely >> How grateful are you to be here safely on American soil? on American soil? on American soil? >> It's hard to describe the depth of my >> It's hard to describe the depth of my >> It's hard to describe the depth of my gratitude, gratitude, gratitude, not just for those who came to get me, not just for those who came to get me, not just for those who came to get me, but for the millions of Americans that but for the millions of Americans that but for the millions of Americans that were supporting them. were supporting them. were supporting them. I really do thank each and every one of I really do thank each and every one of I really do thank each and every one of them. them. them. >> We've heard from the president and from >> We've heard from the president and from >> We've heard from the president and from the chain of command about your rescue the chain of command about your rescue the chain of command about your rescue and about Alpha's rescue, but is this and about Alpha's rescue, but is this and about Alpha's rescue, but is this the first time you are publicly sharing the first time you are publicly sharing the first time you are publicly sharing your story? your story? your story? >> It is. >> It is. >> It is. The only times I've talked about these The only times I've talked about these The only times I've talked about these details or any of this is either with details or any of this is either with details or any of this is either with medical professionals or with close medical professionals or with close medical professionals or with close personal uh friends that are helping me personal uh friends that are helping me personal uh friends that are helping me recover.

recover. recover. But I think it's important for America But I think it's important for America But I think it's important for America to hear what we're capable of and to hear what we're capable of and to hear what we're capable of and remember that there are remember that there are remember that there are thousands of Americans that are out thousands of Americans that are out thousands of Americans that are out protecting us and defending us every protecting us and defending us every protecting us and defending us every day. And I want to make sure that they day. And I want to make sure that they day. And I want to make sure that they get their due credit. Often people will get their due credit. Often people will get their due credit. Often people will say, "Thank you for your service." say, "Thank you for your service." say, "Thank you for your service." And I don't think they realize just how And I don't think they realize just how And I don't think they realize just how much harder it is on our families that much harder it is on our families that much harder it is on our families that we're leaving behind as we go to do we're leaving behind as we go to do we're leaving behind as we go to do what's necessary to defend America. what's necessary to defend America. what's necessary to defend America. >> The whole family serves. >> The whole family serves. >> The whole family serves. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> I think it would be helpful to just >> I think it would be helpful to just >> I think it would be helpful to just start with the basics and go through start with the basics and go through start with the basics and go through chronologically chronologically chronologically what happens. Walk me through that day what happens. Walk me through that day what happens. Walk me through that day on April 3rd. What was it like? That day on April 3rd. What was it like? That day on April 3rd. What was it like? That day was just another day in the war for us was just another day in the war for us was just another day in the war for us until until until the moment where we got hit by an the moment where we got hit by an the moment where we got hit by an Iranian weapon. Iranian weapon. Iranian weapon. >> You were flying in an F-15. >> You were flying in an F-15. >> You were flying in an F-15. >> Yes. F-15 is, in my biased opinion, >> Yes. F-15 is, in my biased opinion, >> Yes. F-15 is, in my biased opinion, America's greatest waror. America's greatest waror. America's greatest waror. It's a two-tailed TW uh two engineed, It's a two-tailed TW uh two engineed, It's a two-tailed TW uh two engineed, two crude, can carry an enormous amount two crude, can carry an enormous amount two crude, can carry an enormous amount of weaponry. It also has uh the ability of weaponry. It also has uh the ability of weaponry. It also has uh the ability to fly greater distances than most of to fly greater distances than most of to fly greater distances than most of our uh our force and I'm really proud to our uh our force and I'm really proud to our uh our force and I'm really proud to be part of that at 15e community.

be part of that at 15e community. be part of that at 15e community. >> Why was it called Dude4? >> Why was it called Dude4? >> Why was it called Dude4? >> So when deployed each type of airframe >> So when deployed each type of airframe >> So when deployed each type of airframe have call signs that are associated with have call signs that are associated with have call signs that are associated with some of those things. uh in this some of those things. uh in this some of those things. uh in this particular case that uh our airframe the particular case that uh our airframe the particular case that uh our airframe the F-15 was called DUDE and we were the F-15 was called DUDE and we were the F-15 was called DUDE and we were the fourth F-15 uh in that particular fourth F-15 uh in that particular fourth F-15 uh in that particular formation thus dude 44 rather than say formation thus dude 44 rather than say formation thus dude 44 rather than say 41. 41. 41. >> Had you and your crew mate flown >> Had you and your crew mate flown >> Had you and your crew mate flown together before? together before? together before? >> We'd never flown together before. >> We'd never flown together before. >> We'd never flown together before. In fact, that's not necessarily uncommon In fact, that's not necessarily uncommon In fact, that's not necessarily uncommon because we're all trained to do a because we're all trained to do a because we're all trained to do a particular job and you don't want to particular job and you don't want to particular job and you don't want to give yourself artificial constraints in give yourself artificial constraints in give yourself artificial constraints in only flying with the same people over only flying with the same people over only flying with the same people over and over again. And yet, as a community, and over again. And yet, as a community, and over again. And yet, as a community, we build trust knowing that the person we build trust knowing that the person we build trust knowing that the person that you're flying with is an expert at that you're flying with is an expert at that you're flying with is an expert at their craft, and you do that your best their craft, and you do that your best their craft, and you do that your best to uphold your half of that bargain.

to uphold your half of that bargain. to uphold your half of that bargain. >> You're on a nighttime mission, correct? >> You're on a nighttime mission, correct? >> You're on a nighttime mission, correct? It was a nighttime mission uh that we It was a nighttime mission uh that we It was a nighttime mission uh that we were flying. were flying. were flying. Specific details of the mission I may Specific details of the mission I may Specific details of the mission I may not be able to get into just for not be able to get into just for not be able to get into just for security risks. security risks. security risks. >> While the war plane was flying over a >> While the war plane was flying over a >> While the war plane was flying over a mountainous area south of the city of mountainous area south of the city of mountainous area south of the city of Isvahan, it was struck by an Iranian Isvahan, it was struck by an Iranian Isvahan, it was struck by an Iranian shoulder fired missile. When did you shoulder fired missile. When did you shoulder fired missile. When did you know something was going wrong? It is know something was going wrong? It is know something was going wrong? It is without a shadow of a doubt it was without a shadow of a doubt it was without a shadow of a doubt it was evident that we'd been impacted by an evident that we'd been impacted by an evident that we'd been impacted by an Iranian weapon uh when it happened. The Iranian weapon uh when it happened. The Iranian weapon uh when it happened. The it's difficult to describe because you it's difficult to describe because you it's difficult to describe because you think about these scenarios as part of think about these scenarios as part of think about these scenarios as part of our training and how we would react our training and how we would react our training and how we would react given each of them. And yet when it given each of them. And yet when it given each of them. And yet when it happened, it was perfectly clear to me happened, it was perfectly clear to me happened, it was perfectly clear to me that we'd been hit because of the that we'd been hit because of the that we'd been hit because of the violence of that impact. violence of that impact. violence of that impact. Can you describe it or what you and your Can you describe it or what you and your Can you describe it or what you and your crew mate were able to say to each crew mate were able to say to each crew mate were able to say to each other? other? other? >> I think the best way I've been able to >> I think the best way I've been able to >> I think the best way I've been able to describe that moment was getting hit by describe that moment was getting hit by describe that moment was getting hit by a freight train. We do all we can to try a freight train. We do all we can to try a freight train. We do all we can to try to save the aircraft. It was evident to save the aircraft. It was evident to save the aircraft. It was evident that that wasn't possible and soon that that wasn't possible and soon that that wasn't possible and soon thereafter we ejected and found thereafter we ejected and found thereafter we ejected and found ourselves floating over the heart of ourselves floating over the heart of ourselves floating over the heart of Iran.

Iran. Iran. >> So within seconds you're ejecting. >> So within seconds you're ejecting. >> So within seconds you're ejecting. That's how quick the decision is. It is. That's how quick the decision is. It is. That's how quick the decision is. It is. I will be thankful to my dying day for I will be thankful to my dying day for I will be thankful to my dying day for my pilot and crewmate Alpha for saving my pilot and crewmate Alpha for saving my pilot and crewmate Alpha for saving our lives and injecting us. our lives and injecting us. our lives and injecting us. >> So, it was at the same time. >> So, it was at the same time. >> So, it was at the same time. >> We eject slightly different in an F-15 >> We eject slightly different in an F-15 >> We eject slightly different in an F-15 so that it will keep the two of you so that it will keep the two of you so that it will keep the two of you safe. And so, there's a minor amount of safe. And so, there's a minor amount of safe. And so, there's a minor amount of of time between the ejections. That of time between the ejections. That of time between the ejections. That extra couple of seconds will mean that extra couple of seconds will mean that extra couple of seconds will mean that there's some distance between the two of there's some distance between the two of there's some distance between the two of you uh at at the ejection moment. How you uh at at the ejection moment. How you uh at at the ejection moment. How did that explosion impact to the plane did that explosion impact to the plane did that explosion impact to the plane affect the cockpit where you were? affect the cockpit where you were? affect the cockpit where you were? >> It damaged catastrophically >> It damaged catastrophically >> It damaged catastrophically many of the systems on the aircraft. many of the systems on the aircraft. many of the systems on the aircraft. That also includes my ejection seat. And That also includes my ejection seat. And That also includes my ejection seat. And I want I want I want the airmen that work diligently on the the airmen that work diligently on the the airmen that work diligently on the seat uh and on the equipment for our seat uh and on the equipment for our seat uh and on the equipment for our survival gear there to know because I survival gear there to know because I survival gear there to know because I haven't had a chance to talk to them haven't had a chance to talk to them haven't had a chance to talk to them directly that they did an incredible job directly that they did an incredible job directly that they did an incredible job because despite the damage to the because despite the damage to the because despite the damage to the aircraft to include the damage to my aircraft to include the damage to my aircraft to include the damage to my ejection seat, it outperformed the ejection seat, it outperformed the ejection seat, it outperformed the design specifications and I call that a design specifications and I call that a design specifications and I call that a testament to their professionalism.

testament to their professionalism. testament to their professionalism. That gives actually gives me the chills. That gives actually gives me the chills. That gives actually gives me the chills. >> I am incredibly proud of the men and >> I am incredibly proud of the men and >> I am incredibly proud of the men and women I serve with and I'm proud of the women I serve with and I'm proud of the women I serve with and I'm proud of the job that they do every day. job that they do every day. job that they do every day. >> You believe it saved your life? >> You believe it saved your life? >> You believe it saved your life? >> I do. >> I do. >> I do. without their professionalism and their without their professionalism and their without their professionalism and their work, the work of the maintainers that work, the work of the maintainers that work, the work of the maintainers that work on those that aircraft that allow work on those that aircraft that allow work on those that aircraft that allow it to survive even for that extra minute it to survive even for that extra minute it to survive even for that extra minute because the systems that they keep in in because the systems that they keep in in because the systems that they keep in in uh working order for us to employ mean uh working order for us to employ mean uh working order for us to employ mean that it's going to work that much longer that it's going to work that much longer that it's going to work that much longer even under that much damage is more a even under that much damage is more a even under that much damage is more a testament to them than I would say just testament to them than I would say just testament to them than I would say just the every day of getting that jet into the every day of getting that jet into the every day of getting that jet into the air. They're doing so under the air. They're doing so under the air. They're doing so under incredibly difficult circumstances right incredibly difficult circumstances right incredibly difficult circumstances right now. So, your seat was damaged by now. So, your seat was damaged by now. So, your seat was damaged by Iranian fire and yet you still were able Iranian fire and yet you still were able Iranian fire and yet you still were able to eject safely. to eject safely. to eject safely. >> I was. >> I was. >> I was. >> Did your parachute deploy? >> Did your parachute deploy? >> Did your parachute deploy? >> My parachute was damaged in the the >> My parachute was damaged in the the >> My parachute was damaged in the the initial attack at one point when I initial attack at one point when I initial attack at one point when I looked up and saw no parachute.

looked up and saw no parachute. looked up and saw no parachute. That was the most It was the most terrifying thing I've It was the most terrifying thing I've ever seen. ever seen. ever seen. So, I paused right then and I prayed, So, I paused right then and I prayed, So, I paused right then and I prayed, "Lord, your will be done, "Lord, your will be done, "Lord, your will be done, but if I'm getting through this, I need but if I'm getting through this, I need but if I'm getting through this, I need help." help." help." >> While you're in the air. >> While you're in the air. >> While you're in the air. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Is that like almost like freef falling >> Is that like almost like freef falling >> Is that like almost like freef falling or how would you describe that? free or how would you describe that? free or how would you describe that? free falling is a good way to put it. Uh I falling is a good way to put it. Uh I falling is a good way to put it. Uh I wasn't focused on the speed at which I wasn't focused on the speed at which I wasn't focused on the speed at which I was falling. I was instead focused on was falling. I was instead focused on was falling. I was instead focused on trying to correct the problems that were trying to correct the problems that were trying to correct the problems that were in front of me and doing anything I in front of me and doing anything I in front of me and doing anything I could to unfurl or pull pieces of the could to unfurl or pull pieces of the could to unfurl or pull pieces of the parachute loose. parachute loose. parachute loose. In SEAR training, uh, so survival, In SEAR training, uh, so survival, In SEAR training, uh, so survival, evasion, resistance, escape, we're evasion, resistance, escape, we're evasion, resistance, escape, we're trained to work through problems, not trained to work through problems, not trained to work through problems, not only through the ejection sequence, but only through the ejection sequence, but only through the ejection sequence, but any survival scenario. And under any survival scenario. And under any survival scenario. And under considerations for parachute considerations for parachute considerations for parachute malfunctions, I never want to become a malfunctions, I never want to become a malfunctions, I never want to become a victim of my circumstances. And so I'll victim of my circumstances. And so I'll victim of my circumstances. And so I'll take the circumstances for what they take the circumstances for what they take the circumstances for what they are, and then I'm going to keep moving are, and then I'm going to keep moving are, and then I'm going to keep moving forward in them. And that's what I tried forward in them. And that's what I tried forward in them. And that's what I tried to do in those moments.

to do in those moments. to do in those moments. >> So, how fast do you think you were going >> So, how fast do you think you were going >> So, how fast do you think you were going when you hit the ground? professionals when you hit the ground? professionals when you hit the ground? professionals based on my description and the injuries based on my description and the injuries based on my description and the injuries that I had. The professionals think I that I had. The professionals think I that I had. The professionals think I hit the ground going somewhere between hit the ground going somewhere between hit the ground going somewhere between 70 and 100 miles an hour. 70 and 100 miles an hour. 70 and 100 miles an hour. >> How did you survive that? >> How did you survive that? >> How did you survive that? >> A modern-day miracle. >> A modern-day miracle. >> A modern-day miracle. I believe that it's a testament to God's I believe that it's a testament to God's I believe that it's a testament to God's provision in my life to bring me through provision in my life to bring me through provision in my life to bring me through that moment in a way that didn't prevent that moment in a way that didn't prevent that moment in a way that didn't prevent injuries, but prevented any catastrophic injuries, but prevented any catastrophic injuries, but prevented any catastrophic injuries that would have affected my injuries that would have affected my injuries that would have affected my ability to survive. ability to survive. ability to survive. And And And I'm grateful I'm grateful I'm grateful eternally eternally eternally for knowing that he was there with me for knowing that he was there with me for knowing that he was there with me because you don't see any other because you don't see any other because you don't see any other explanation for how you survived. explanation for how you survived. explanation for how you survived. >> I don't think there can be. And I think >> I don't think there can be. And I think >> I don't think there can be. And I think the facts around my survival uh the the facts around my survival uh the the facts around my survival uh the facts proven out by my medical records, facts proven out by my medical records, facts proven out by my medical records, the facts proven out by the equipment the facts proven out by the equipment the facts proven out by the equipment that uh was still there, I think they that uh was still there, I think they that uh was still there, I think they all determined that that is true. The all determined that that is true. The all determined that that is true. The fall broke Bravo's back. He also fall broke Bravo's back. He also fall broke Bravo's back. He also sustained a broken arm, broken shoulder, sustained a broken arm, broken shoulder, sustained a broken arm, broken shoulder, sprained ankle, and was bleeding from sprained ankle, and was bleeding from sprained ankle, and was bleeding from cuts and scrapes to his head and face.

cuts and scrapes to his head and face. cuts and scrapes to his head and face. >> I had injuries, but we all trained to >> I had injuries, but we all trained to >> I had injuries, but we all trained to adapt and overcome the things that are adapt and overcome the things that are adapt and overcome the things that are that were faced with. I moved as quickly that were faced with. I moved as quickly that were faced with. I moved as quickly as I could despite the injuries away as I could despite the injuries away as I could despite the injuries away from the place that I I landed. from the place that I I landed. from the place that I I landed. Soon after the crash, an Iranian news Soon after the crash, an Iranian news Soon after the crash, an Iranian news anchor announced a bounty for the anchor announced a bounty for the anchor announced a bounty for the capture of the Americans. capture of the Americans. capture of the Americans. Videos emerged on the internet of armed Videos emerged on the internet of armed Videos emerged on the internet of armed groups hunting for the down crew. groups hunting for the down crew. groups hunting for the down crew. >> I can tell you for a fact that they were >> I can tell you for a fact that they were >> I can tell you for a fact that they were looking for me. looking for me. looking for me. >> According to US military sources, >> According to US military sources, >> According to US military sources, Iranian forces got to within a few Iranian forces got to within a few Iranian forces got to within a few hundred meters of Bravo. walk me through hundred meters of Bravo. walk me through hundred meters of Bravo. walk me through what's going through your mind and what what's going through your mind and what what's going through your mind and what you have to do to you have to do to you have to do to evade capture or Iranian fire. evade capture or Iranian fire. evade capture or Iranian fire. >> Those SEIR professionals trained me over >> Those SEIR professionals trained me over >> Those SEIR professionals trained me over 20 years ago in my case 20 years ago in my case 20 years ago in my case on setting priorities. So it's not just on setting priorities. So it's not just on setting priorities. So it's not just what you need to do, it's the time frame what you need to do, it's the time frame what you need to do, it's the time frame that you need to do them in. So for me, that you need to do them in. So for me, that you need to do them in. So for me, I was focused on things like getting I was focused on things like getting I was focused on things like getting away from the enemy, finding the right away from the enemy, finding the right away from the enemy, finding the right place uh to communicate, getting uh a place uh to communicate, getting uh a place uh to communicate, getting uh a finding the the way to hide or or defeat finding the the way to hide or or defeat finding the the way to hide or or defeat the ways the enemy might track me.

the ways the enemy might track me. the ways the enemy might track me. >> It's dark, right? And can you tell me >> It's dark, right? And can you tell me >> It's dark, right? And can you tell me what you what you see around you? It is what you what you see around you? It is what you what you see around you? It is dark, but much like early morning dark, but much like early morning dark, but much like early morning hunting trips, you know, the sun starts hunting trips, you know, the sun starts hunting trips, you know, the sun starts to come up and you can start to perceive to come up and you can start to perceive to come up and you can start to perceive uh elements of the environment around uh elements of the environment around uh elements of the environment around you. Iran is the size of Alaska. And in you. Iran is the size of Alaska. And in you. Iran is the size of Alaska. And in the heart of Iran, where we were, there the heart of Iran, where we were, there the heart of Iran, where we were, there are high desert valleys, but also are high desert valleys, but also are high desert valleys, but also amazing craggly cliffs. And so I find amazing craggly cliffs. And so I find amazing craggly cliffs. And so I find myself in one of those valleys with myself in one of those valleys with myself in one of those valleys with cliffs on either side. Why did you cliffs on either side. Why did you cliffs on either side. Why did you decide to make the decision to seek decide to make the decision to seek decide to make the decision to seek higher ground? higher ground? higher ground? >> Our training >> Our training >> Our training gives us indications of what we should gives us indications of what we should gives us indications of what we should do, but not necessarily what we should do, but not necessarily what we should do, but not necessarily what we should do in the circumstances we find do in the circumstances we find do in the circumstances we find ourselves. And so for me, I thought ourselves. And so for me, I thought ourselves. And so for me, I thought higher ground was going to give me the higher ground was going to give me the higher ground was going to give me the best chance of survival. best chance of survival. best chance of survival. >> Are you able at that point to >> Are you able at that point to >> Are you able at that point to communicate back to central command? communicate back to central command? communicate back to central command? I had communication equipment with me, I had communication equipment with me, I had communication equipment with me, but I did not immediately take the but I did not immediately take the but I did not immediately take the opportunity to communicate. I thought opportunity to communicate. I thought opportunity to communicate. I thought the priority should be getting away from the priority should be getting away from the priority should be getting away from that spot before someone else started that spot before someone else started that spot before someone else started showing up to look for me.

showing up to look for me. showing up to look for me. >> Bravo told us the safest place for him >> Bravo told us the safest place for him >> Bravo told us the safest place for him to go was up. So, he quickly made the to go was up. So, he quickly made the to go was up. So, he quickly made the decision, despite his broken bones, to decision, despite his broken bones, to decision, despite his broken bones, to hike and climb up a 7,000 ft rgeline. hike and climb up a 7,000 ft rgeline. hike and climb up a 7,000 ft rgeline. Given your injuries, how did you find Given your injuries, how did you find Given your injuries, how did you find the strength to make it up the mountain? the strength to make it up the mountain? the strength to make it up the mountain? >> Never let a lack of motivation put you >> Never let a lack of motivation put you >> Never let a lack of motivation put you on Iranian TV. on Iranian TV. on Iranian TV. >> You were thinking that? >> You were thinking that? >> You were thinking that? >> Absolutely. >> Absolutely. >> Absolutely. Given the terrain that I faced, Given the terrain that I faced, Given the terrain that I faced, I think you'd find it surprising what I I think you'd find it surprising what I I think you'd find it surprising what I was able to go to overcome was able to go to overcome was able to go to overcome given those injuries. given those injuries. given those injuries. But I did it because of a warrior ethos. But I did it because of a warrior ethos. But I did it because of a warrior ethos. that we talk about. My airmen that we talk about. My airmen that we talk about. My airmen that we led that we led that we led in theater in theater in theater had months of hearing about the had months of hearing about the had months of hearing about the importance of warrior ethos importance of warrior ethos importance of warrior ethos and how we are going to apply it. And I and how we are going to apply it. And I and how we are going to apply it. And I saw them apply that saw them apply that saw them apply that in the leadup to the conflict during the in the leadup to the conflict during the in the leadup to the conflict during the conflict night after night with conflict night after night with conflict night after night with unprecedented threats against them. And unprecedented threats against them. And unprecedented threats against them. And yet they're doing their job at a way yet they're doing their job at a way yet they're doing their job at a way that no one would have thought possible.

that no one would have thought possible. that no one would have thought possible. I owed it to them to show the same I owed it to them to show the same I owed it to them to show the same warrior ethos in my situation warrior ethos in my situation warrior ethos in my situation and walk the same walk that I've been and walk the same walk that I've been and walk the same walk that I've been talking for months. talking for months. talking for months. >> As much as you can tell me, did you you >> As much as you can tell me, did you you >> As much as you can tell me, did you you started to find a place to hide inside started to find a place to hide inside started to find a place to hide inside the mountain? What what was your the mountain? What what was your the mountain? What what was your objective at that point? objective at that point? objective at that point? My objectives were to get away from my My objectives were to get away from my My objectives were to get away from my landing site and then find the best landing site and then find the best landing site and then find the best concealment I could in order to do the concealment I could in order to do the concealment I could in order to do the other things like communicate, consider other things like communicate, consider other things like communicate, consider my equipment, move up. But the specific my equipment, move up. But the specific my equipment, move up. But the specific elements of tradecraft or what I did, elements of tradecraft or what I did, elements of tradecraft or what I did, I'd rather not talk about given the I'd rather not talk about given the I'd rather not talk about given the security concerns uh of an ongoing security concerns uh of an ongoing security concerns uh of an ongoing conflict. conflict. conflict. >> Um, did you have food and water on you? >> Um, did you have food and water on you? >> Um, did you have food and water on you? Typically a survival kit which is Typically a survival kit which is Typically a survival kit which is included in the seat uh has food, water, included in the seat uh has food, water, included in the seat uh has food, water, additional survival equipment, some additional survival equipment, some additional survival equipment, some medical uh kit but due to the damage of medical uh kit but due to the damage of medical uh kit but due to the damage of my seat, I did not have one of those my seat, I did not have one of those my seat, I did not have one of those with me. I did have a survival vest with me. I did have a survival vest with me. I did have a survival vest which we all wear. So wearing what I you which we all wear. So wearing what I you which we all wear. So wearing what I you see before you plus a harness and and see before you plus a harness and and see before you plus a harness and and guit things to help me in the flying guit things to help me in the flying guit things to help me in the flying aspect. Then on top of that as a aspect. Then on top of that as a aspect. Then on top of that as a survival vest that includes some basic survival vest that includes some basic survival vest that includes some basic signaling equipment, communication signaling equipment, communication signaling equipment, communication equipment, a very minimal amount of equipment, a very minimal amount of equipment, a very minimal amount of water, uh, and a couple of other tools water, uh, and a couple of other tools water, uh, and a couple of other tools to help me survive.

to help me survive. to help me survive. >> How did you deal with your injuries? >> How did you deal with your injuries? >> How did you deal with your injuries? >> I did my best given the things that we >> I did my best given the things that we >> I did my best given the things that we had. So had. So had. So the internal ones there's not much to do the internal ones there's not much to do the internal ones there's not much to do uh about other than make allowances for uh about other than make allowances for uh about other than make allowances for them as I moved. the external ones that them as I moved. the external ones that them as I moved. the external ones that I did my best to stop the bleeding once I did my best to stop the bleeding once I did my best to stop the bleeding once there was an opportunity to do so. there was an opportunity to do so. there was an opportunity to do so. >> When were you first able to send a >> When were you first able to send a >> When were you first able to send a signal? signal? signal? >> As soon as I found a spot that I felt >> As soon as I found a spot that I felt >> As soon as I found a spot that I felt provided some concealment, I started provided some concealment, I started provided some concealment, I started working on toward communication. working on toward communication. working on toward communication. At every opportunity that presented At every opportunity that presented At every opportunity that presented itself, I worked toward communicating itself, I worked toward communicating itself, I worked toward communicating with friendly forces. I did not allow with friendly forces. I did not allow with friendly forces. I did not allow that to be the priority over staying uh that to be the priority over staying uh that to be the priority over staying uh over evading or dealing with the over evading or dealing with the over evading or dealing with the environmental factors that were around environmental factors that were around environmental factors that were around me. me. me. >> 6 hours in, the US was able to rescue >> 6 hours in, the US was able to rescue >> 6 hours in, the US was able to rescue Alpha, the pilot. This is declassified Alpha, the pilot. This is declassified Alpha, the pilot. This is declassified video of the risky daytime raid to pick video of the risky daytime raid to pick video of the risky daytime raid to pick him up. Two helicopters of the 21 him up. Two helicopters of the 21 him up. Two helicopters of the 21 aircraft deployed.

aircraft deployed. aircraft deployed. Videos posted on social media showed Videos posted on social media showed Videos posted on social media showed American helicopters taking fire. American helicopters taking fire. American helicopters taking fire. >> Were you able to see the rescue >> Were you able to see the rescue >> Were you able to see the rescue operation of Alpha? operation of Alpha? operation of Alpha? >> I was. >> I was. >> I was. >> What was that like? >> What was that like? >> What was that like? >> It was the proudest dad moment of my >> It was the proudest dad moment of my >> It was the proudest dad moment of my life. life. life. with apologies to my kids. with apologies to my kids. with apologies to my kids. I was deployed with those many of those I was deployed with those many of those I was deployed with those many of those men and women on that rescue operation men and women on that rescue operation men and women on that rescue operation as part of my unit. as part of my unit. as part of my unit. I know they build a ethos around doing I know they build a ethos around doing I know they build a ethos around doing an extraordinary activities so that an extraordinary activities so that an extraordinary activities so that others may live. And to see it firsthand others may live. And to see it firsthand others may live. And to see it firsthand made me incredibly proud of them and of made me incredibly proud of them and of made me incredibly proud of them and of Americans like them that continue to Americans like them that continue to Americans like them that continue to raise their hand and say, "Here I am. raise their hand and say, "Here I am. raise their hand and say, "Here I am. Send me." Send me." Send me." >> It's incredible to think that you had >> It's incredible to think that you had >> It's incredible to think that you had that vantage point to see your crew mate that vantage point to see your crew mate that vantage point to see your crew mate being rescued. being rescued. being rescued. >> I'm actually grateful for that.

>> I'm actually grateful for that. >> I'm actually grateful for that. I would imagine that some would think I would imagine that some would think I would imagine that some would think it would provide a negative feeling, but it would provide a negative feeling, but it would provide a negative feeling, but instead it was only positive. It was a instead it was only positive. It was a instead it was only positive. It was a boon to my survival to know that America boon to my survival to know that America boon to my survival to know that America keeps its promise. And I get to see the keeps its promise. And I get to see the keeps its promise. And I get to see the people that I'm closest to, my people that I'm closest to, my people that I'm closest to, my teammates, doing the thing that they say teammates, doing the thing that they say teammates, doing the thing that they say they're going to go do. they're going to go do. they're going to go do. And I get to see them upholding that And I get to see them upholding that And I get to see them upholding that with someone who I was flying with and I with someone who I was flying with and I with someone who I was flying with and I care deeply about. Mhm. And why do you care deeply about. Mhm. And why do you care deeply about. Mhm. And why do you call it a dad moment? Proud dad moment. call it a dad moment? Proud dad moment. call it a dad moment? Proud dad moment. >> At this point in my career, in a fighter >> At this point in my career, in a fighter >> At this point in my career, in a fighter pilot career, I should be getting fitted pilot career, I should be getting fitted pilot career, I should be getting fitted for my rocking chair right now. And so for my rocking chair right now. And so for my rocking chair right now. And so I think um I feel a bit of I think um I feel a bit of I think um I feel a bit of responsibility, responsibility, responsibility, not just my formal responsibility given not just my formal responsibility given not just my formal responsibility given my duties in the deployed environment, my duties in the deployed environment, my duties in the deployed environment, but a responsibility to make sure that but a responsibility to make sure that but a responsibility to make sure that they have the equipment that they need, they have the equipment that they need, they have the equipment that they need, the the resources that they need, just the the resources that they need, just the the resources that they need, just like you equip your children to grow and like you equip your children to grow and like you equip your children to grow and be able to do the things that they want be able to do the things that they want be able to do the things that they want to do and and follow their dreams. And to do and and follow their dreams. And to do and and follow their dreams. And then when you get to see them doing the then when you get to see them doing the then when you get to see them doing the thing that they have worked so hard thing that they have worked so hard thing that they have worked so hard toward, toward, toward, I think the only appropriate description I think the only appropriate description I think the only appropriate description is that it's a dad moment.

is that it's a dad moment. is that it's a dad moment. >> The force that rescued Alpha also >> The force that rescued Alpha also >> The force that rescued Alpha also attempted to locate Bravo, but were attempted to locate Bravo, but were attempted to locate Bravo, but were unsuccessful and eventually withdrew. unsuccessful and eventually withdrew. unsuccessful and eventually withdrew. Then, as night fell on that first day in Then, as night fell on that first day in Then, as night fell on that first day in Iran, Bravo sent messages. I'm hurt. I'm Iran, Bravo sent messages. I'm hurt. I'm Iran, Bravo sent messages. I'm hurt. I'm moving. God is good. When I got to the moving. God is good. When I got to the moving. God is good. When I got to the moment where I could review and think moment where I could review and think moment where I could review and think about all that I'd gone through, about all that I'd gone through, about all that I'd gone through, I sent God is good as a recognition I sent God is good as a recognition I sent God is good as a recognition of all that he had brought me through, of all that he had brought me through, of all that he had brought me through, surviving the impact of the Iranian surviving the impact of the Iranian surviving the impact of the Iranian weapon, surviving my impact to the weapon, surviving my impact to the weapon, surviving my impact to the ground, and successfully evading people ground, and successfully evading people ground, and successfully evading people that were actively looking for me. that were actively looking for me. that were actively looking for me. I could only think of that as I could only think of that as I could only think of that as miraculous. miraculous. miraculous. How important has your faith been in all How important has your faith been in all How important has your faith been in all of this? of this? of this? >> I don't have this story without faith. >> I don't have this story without faith. >> I don't have this story without faith. >> I'm not saying faith is replacement for >> I'm not saying faith is replacement for >> I'm not saying faith is replacement for training, but instead it is a boon to training, but instead it is a boon to training, but instead it is a boon to training.

training. training. Training helps us understand what we do, Training helps us understand what we do, Training helps us understand what we do, but faith is the backs stop of all of my but faith is the backs stop of all of my but faith is the backs stop of all of my actions during my time in Iran and the actions during my time in Iran and the actions during my time in Iran and the way that guides what I do day in and day way that guides what I do day in and day way that guides what I do day in and day out. Bravo would have to survive with out. Bravo would have to survive with out. Bravo would have to survive with almost no water and no food in the wind almost no water and no food in the wind almost no water and no food in the wind in the cold of the high mountain desert in the cold of the high mountain desert in the cold of the high mountain desert for another full day. What was your for another full day. What was your for another full day. What was your worst fear? worst fear? worst fear? >> My worst fear was letting the team that >> My worst fear was letting the team that >> My worst fear was letting the team that was working so diligently to rescue me was working so diligently to rescue me was working so diligently to rescue me down. down. down. I knew I knew I knew that they were going to come. I knew that they were going to come. I knew that they were going to come. I knew that America, whether it was one day or that America, whether it was one day or that America, whether it was one day or one year, was going to uphold its one year, was going to uphold its one year, was going to uphold its promise and rescue me. promise and rescue me. promise and rescue me. I had to do my part I had to do my part I had to do my part to give them time to affect that rescue. to give them time to affect that rescue. to give them time to affect that rescue. >> There was an Iranian search party that >> There was an Iranian search party that >> There was an Iranian search party that had assembled at the base of the had assembled at the base of the had assembled at the base of the mountain to come find you. You knew that mountain to come find you. You knew that mountain to come find you. You knew that the Iranians were trying to find you as the Iranians were trying to find you as the Iranians were trying to find you as well, right?

well, right? well, right? >> I knew that they were coming. I saw I knew for a fact that they were looking I knew for a fact that they were looking for me. for me. for me. >> Were you armed? >> Were you armed? >> Were you armed? >> I was. >> I was. >> I was. >> Did you consider what would happen if >> Did you consider what would happen if >> Did you consider what would happen if the Iranians had gotten close? the Iranians had gotten close? the Iranians had gotten close? >> I did. Yet the thing that I was most >> I did. Yet the thing that I was most >> I did. Yet the thing that I was most focused on is what is next? I considered focused on is what is next? I considered focused on is what is next? I considered moving forward in my circumstances. And moving forward in my circumstances. And moving forward in my circumstances. And so there was a problem before me and so there was a problem before me and so there was a problem before me and time and again I considered what is that time and again I considered what is that time and again I considered what is that problem? How would I overcome it? What's problem? How would I overcome it? What's problem? How would I overcome it? What's the next decision I need to make? And the next decision I need to make? And the next decision I need to make? And how would I take care of that? how would I take care of that? how would I take care of that? I did not I did not I did not focus in the least on things that were focus in the least on things that were focus in the least on things that were outside of my control. outside of my control. outside of my control. >> How cold was it at night? Were you were >> How cold was it at night? Were you were >> How cold was it at night? Were you were you able to stay warm? you able to stay warm? you able to stay warm? >> This was a high cliff in a somewhat >> This was a high cliff in a somewhat >> This was a high cliff in a somewhat deserty of environment with heavy ws. deserty of environment with heavy ws. deserty of environment with heavy ws. did the best to stay warm given the did the best to stay warm given the did the best to stay warm given the circumstances and no additional survival circumstances and no additional survival circumstances and no additional survival equipment. It equipment. It equipment. It >> was really difficult.

>> was really difficult. >> was really difficult. >> What I went through is difficult, >> What I went through is difficult, >> What I went through is difficult, but I think no more difficult. In fact, but I think no more difficult. In fact, but I think no more difficult. In fact, less difficult than what millions of less difficult than what millions of less difficult than what millions of Americans go through in difficult Americans go through in difficult Americans go through in difficult situations that they own they they face. situations that they own they they face. situations that they own they they face. And it's made easier when there are And it's made easier when there are And it's made easier when there are people that surround you and encourage people that surround you and encourage people that surround you and encourage you and tell you to keep going because you and tell you to keep going because you and tell you to keep going because we're coming. we're here to help you. we're coming. we're here to help you. we're coming. we're here to help you. And I had the exact same thing. And I had the exact same thing. And I had the exact same thing. >> In the end, it was the CIA that played a >> In the end, it was the CIA that played a >> In the end, it was the CIA that played a pivotal role, launching a multi-pronged pivotal role, launching a multi-pronged pivotal role, launching a multi-pronged campaign, which included deception to campaign, which included deception to campaign, which included deception to confuse Iranian forces and top secret confuse Iranian forces and top secret confuse Iranian forces and top secret technology to pinpoint Bravo's exact technology to pinpoint Bravo's exact technology to pinpoint Bravo's exact location. To clear the way for his location. To clear the way for his location. To clear the way for his rescue, American bombers and drones hit rescue, American bombers and drones hit rescue, American bombers and drones hit Iran's Revolutionary Guard forces Iran's Revolutionary Guard forces Iran's Revolutionary Guard forces nearby, as seen in this newly nearby, as seen in this newly nearby, as seen in this newly declassified video. Nearly 2 days after declassified video. Nearly 2 days after declassified video. Nearly 2 days after Dude 44 went down, it was time to go in Dude 44 went down, it was time to go in Dude 44 went down, it was time to go in for Bravo. The force came in on two for Bravo. The force came in on two for Bravo. The force came in on two large search and rescue planes and large search and rescue planes and large search and rescue planes and landed on a makeshift desert airirstrip.

landed on a makeshift desert airirstrip. landed on a makeshift desert airirstrip. They then unloaded small little bird They then unloaded small little bird They then unloaded small little bird helicopters capable of reaching Bravo on helicopters capable of reaching Bravo on helicopters capable of reaching Bravo on the rgeline several miles away. This is the rgeline several miles away. This is the rgeline several miles away. This is Bravo on the Rgel line waiting to be Bravo on the Rgel line waiting to be Bravo on the Rgel line waiting to be picked up. The Pentagon declassified picked up. The Pentagon declassified picked up. The Pentagon declassified this video of the rescue. The two this video of the rescue. The two this video of the rescue. The two service members on either side of Bravo service members on either side of Bravo service members on either side of Bravo were elite Air Force par rescue were elite Air Force par rescue were elite Air Force par rescue operators known in the military as PJs. operators known in the military as PJs. operators known in the military as PJs. The moment a PJ showed up uh to me on The moment a PJ showed up uh to me on The moment a PJ showed up uh to me on that RGEL line was one of the greatest that RGEL line was one of the greatest that RGEL line was one of the greatest moments of my life and I don't know how moments of my life and I don't know how moments of my life and I don't know how to say it any more clearly than thank to say it any more clearly than thank to say it any more clearly than thank you for all that they did. you for all that they did. you for all that they did. >> What did your rescuer say when they got >> What did your rescuer say when they got >> What did your rescuer say when they got to you? to you? to you? >> The specific conversation I think I'll >> The specific conversation I think I'll >> The specific conversation I think I'll leave for another time as I don't want leave for another time as I don't want leave for another time as I don't want to release anything that's not just my to release anything that's not just my to release anything that's not just my story to tell. story to tell. story to tell. >> What did you say to them? >> What did you say to them? >> What did you say to them? >> Let's go. >> Let's go. >> Let's go. Bravo was in American hands, but not out Bravo was in American hands, but not out Bravo was in American hands, but not out of danger. Back at the makeshift of danger. Back at the makeshift of danger. Back at the makeshift airirstrip, the rescue plane's landing airirstrip, the rescue plane's landing airirstrip, the rescue plane's landing gear was stuck in the desert sand, and gear was stuck in the desert sand, and gear was stuck in the desert sand, and the planes could not take off. It took a the planes could not take off. It took a the planes could not take off. It took a clandestine unit of the US Air Force to clandestine unit of the US Air Force to clandestine unit of the US Air Force to get Bravo and the 90 plus special get Bravo and the 90 plus special get Bravo and the 90 plus special operators out of Iran.

operators out of Iran. operators out of Iran. The US then bombed its own marooned The US then bombed its own marooned The US then bombed its own marooned aircraft, so no technology fell into aircraft, so no technology fell into aircraft, so no technology fell into Iranian hands. 50 hours after being shot Iranian hands. 50 hours after being shot Iranian hands. 50 hours after being shot down, Bravo was finally safe, rescued as down, Bravo was finally safe, rescued as down, Bravo was finally safe, rescued as the sun came up on Easter Sunday. His the sun came up on Easter Sunday. His the sun came up on Easter Sunday. His wife waited for a call back home in the wife waited for a call back home in the wife waited for a call back home in the US. What was that call like? US. What was that call like? US. What was that call like? I was really proud of her proud of her and grateful for the strength that she and grateful for the strength that she and grateful for the strength that she showed and I looked forward to seeing her and I looked forward to seeing her again. again. again. >> It's a reminder, as you say, about how >> It's a reminder, as you say, about how >> It's a reminder, as you say, about how families serve the sacrifice of a whole families serve the sacrifice of a whole families serve the sacrifice of a whole family. My wife is an incredible family. My wife is an incredible family. My wife is an incredible example of what example of what example of what spouses and families across this nation spouses and families across this nation spouses and families across this nation go through when we send our sons and go through when we send our sons and go through when we send our sons and daughters to defend the nation. daughters to defend the nation. daughters to defend the nation. And I count myself blessed beyond And I count myself blessed beyond And I count myself blessed beyond measure to be married to such a measure to be married to such a measure to be married to such a wonderful woman.

wonderful woman. wonderful woman. >> What do you want the American people to >> What do you want the American people to >> What do you want the American people to know know know about this rescue mission? This is not a about this rescue mission? This is not a about this rescue mission? This is not a story about what I went through. story about what I went through. story about what I went through. Instead, it's a story of the teamwork, Instead, it's a story of the teamwork, Instead, it's a story of the teamwork, of the training, of the faith, of the of the training, of the faith, of the of the training, of the faith, of the decisions and leadership to do something decisions and leadership to do something decisions and leadership to do something that will live in history as an example that will live in history as an example that will live in history as an example of what America's willing to do of what America's willing to do of what America's willing to do in order to uphold our promise and leave in order to uphold our promise and leave in order to uphold our promise and leave no man behind. no man behind. no man behind. >> Did you ever have any doubt that the US >> Did you ever have any doubt that the US >> Did you ever have any doubt that the US military was coming for you? military was coming for you? military was coming for you? Never a doubt. It's what we do. Never a doubt. It's what we do. Never a doubt. It's what we do. I have great faith in my creator. Second I have great faith in my creator. Second I have great faith in my creator. Second only to that is my faith in the men and only to that is my faith in the men and only to that is my faith in the men and women of the United States military to women of the United States military to women of the United States military to do what we say we're going to do. do what we say we're going to do. do what we say we're going to do. >> You have put your life on the line to >> You have put your life on the line to >> You have put your life on the line to serve our country. Would you do it serve our country. Would you do it serve our country. Would you do it again? again? again? >> I intend to continue to serve in >> I intend to continue to serve in >> I intend to continue to serve in whatever capacity I can. And when we whatever capacity I can. And when we whatever capacity I can. And when we swear an oath to defend this nation and swear an oath to defend this nation and swear an oath to defend this nation and our Constitution, our Constitution, our Constitution, I think it's easier to do so knowing I think it's easier to do so knowing I think it's easier to do so knowing that we're doing it as a team, that you that we're doing it as a team, that you that we're doing it as a team, that you have warriors on the left and right of have warriors on the left and right of have warriors on the left and right of you that are going to continue to fight you that are going to continue to fight you that are going to continue to fight and answer the call when the goes out.

and answer the call when the goes out. and answer the call when the goes out. I think about too the selfless I think about too the selfless I think about too the selfless sacrifice and service of so many of sacrifice and service of so many of sacrifice and service of so many of those you serve with and that came to those you serve with and that came to those you serve with and that came to rescue you rescue you rescue you and Alpha. Can you talk about that and Alpha. Can you talk about that and Alpha. Can you talk about that selfless sacrifice? selfless sacrifice? selfless sacrifice? The most important thing for me is that The most important thing for me is that The most important thing for me is that all of those involved in this rescue all of those involved in this rescue all of those involved in this rescue understand just how grateful I am for understand just how grateful I am for understand just how grateful I am for their work. It doesn't happen on a whim. their work. It doesn't happen on a whim. their work. It doesn't happen on a whim. It is years of professionalism and It is years of professionalism and It is years of professionalism and training that lead up to a moment like training that lead up to a moment like training that lead up to a moment like this. It takes dedication beyond belief. this. It takes dedication beyond belief. this. It takes dedication beyond belief. And I don't believe Americans even And I don't believe Americans even And I don't believe Americans even realize just how much of a lifetime of realize just how much of a lifetime of realize just how much of a lifetime of effort goes into accomplishing something effort goes into accomplishing something effort goes into accomplishing something that seems like it happened overnight. that seems like it happened overnight. that seems like it happened overnight. It was a miracle that all of those It was a miracle that all of those It was a miracle that all of those individuals chose to do what they did individuals chose to do what they did individuals chose to do what they did for their lifetime and for their for their lifetime and for their for their lifetime and for their profession. profession. profession. And I get to be the recipient of that And I get to be the recipient of that And I get to be the recipient of that hard work. And now I sit here before you hard work. And now I sit here before you hard work. And now I sit here before you as evidence of real life miracles as evidence of real life miracles as evidence of real life miracles and the incredible professionalism of and the incredible professionalism of and the incredible professionalism of the United States military.

the United States military. the United States military. Alpha's back flying for the Air Force. Alpha's back flying for the Air Force. Alpha's back flying for the Air Force. He declined our request for an He declined our request for an He declined our request for an interview, but he provided us with a interview, but he provided us with a interview, but he provided us with a statement. The statement reads, "I am statement. The statement reads, "I am statement. The statement reads, "I am still in awe of the professionalism and still in awe of the professionalism and still in awe of the professionalism and tactical prowess of the combat search tactical prowess of the combat search tactical prowess of the combat search and rescue specialists and the joint and rescue specialists and the joint and rescue specialists and the joint force who executed the rescue missions force who executed the rescue missions force who executed the rescue missions of me and Dude44 Bravo. Both those in of me and Dude44 Bravo. Both those in of me and Dude44 Bravo. Both those in theater and behind the scenes. Words theater and behind the scenes. Words theater and behind the scenes. Words cannot capture how thankful my family cannot capture how thankful my family cannot capture how thankful my family and I are and how proud I am to serve and I are and how proud I am to serve and I are and how proud I am to serve alongside each and every one of them.